The temporary gallery at the Free Library of Philadelphia featured artworks by developmentally challenged artists from the Center for Creative Works (CCW) vocational program. The informal gallery setup encouraged direct interaction between artists, who were also selling their works, and the public. Visitors socialized while viewing the diverse array of paintings, drawings, prints, and ceramics. Their discussions and gaze upon the pieces revealed different interpretations of the artworks. The interactions between art, artists, and viewers characterized it as an art world event despite its small and informal nature.

1. Introduction
The lobby of the Free library of Philadelphia. was home to a makeshift gallery featuring a mix of artworks by developmentally
challenged artists, on september 15, 2015. Most of the artists at the event were members of a vocational program named “Center for
Creative Works,” or CCW. CCW provides a studio environment for people who are developmentally challenged and offers them
opportunities for showcasing their art in events such as the one I attended. The focus of this essay will take a look at how an artworld
organization/artists present art works to an artworld public, how the public views the artwork presented to them, as well as the type
artwork presented in an artworld setting.
The temporary makeshift gallery was rather small and featured a modest amount of work. Most of the artwork was
presented informally and many works did not have a tag with the artist's name or information about the piece. There was a table on
the side of the lobby that had a few of the artists selling their works for rather moderate prices. This kind of informal set up really
established a direct communication between the artists and the public. I thought this was very befitting to have due to the event being
hosted in a public library.
The public present at the event strolled through examining the artworks presented to them. Some of them would openly
discuss their thoughts and appreciations of certain works. At the side table people were talking with the artists and the CCW workers
about their work, and even purchasing works for themselves.
The works presented were mainly two dimensional works. Most of the works varied in style and subject matter. The
majority of works were either paintings or drawings, there were a few printed works as well as a few ceramic wares.
While observing this event, I got to see the art, the artists, and the public all interacting with each other. That
interaction was mainly dictated by the setting of the event and its layout. I feel like this was an important thing to realise because each

2. People in the gallery socialize while others
stroll through viewing the works on display.
Others talk with the artist and buy works for
sale at their table booths. One can see how
people interact with the art, the artists and
the other viewers. The interaction of all these
things justifies it as an art world event.

3. People here talk, browse and purchase works
directly from the artists and CCW workers.
This shows just how direct the interaction is
between the public and the artists is at this
venue. This direct connection is not always
present in other formal galleries.

4. The viewer's gaze upon the works presented
to them. They each may take away different
things from each work, but they look each
work observing it closely. As they stroll
through the gallery they stop at each piece
and look. By watching how long a viewer
gazes at a price you can interpret how much
interest they have in it.

5. This painting drew a lot of attention from
viewers. The mix of vibrant colors draws the
viewer's eyes to it from across the room. It is
interesting to think that one single work can
entice so many different people. It drew me in
and left me with the impression of an
overgrown garden in full bloom.

6. this untitled painting received some
interesting looks from viewers. The expression
of the face on the left draws the viewer in,
while the more distorted face on the right
seems to reject the viewer. Seeing others
people's reaction to works was a rather rich
experience. You have a small window to see
how they interpret and judge a piece through
the expressions they show while viewing a
piece.